Chuck Norris has an attitude problem!!!

[ChuckNorris]

Ok... We are having a slight issue with Chuck Norris! He is normally a VERY well mannered and well behaved young man, but here recently he has had a major attitude problem when we have guests over! He has been WELL socialized since we got him at 3 months old and he will turn 3 years old November 1st! He is very protective over "his fence" but when people come through the back door they are ok to him (I'm only assuming because he knows if they come through the house that we are ok... so he is ok)! They last two times we have had friends over, he has become very aggressive towards them (ie: growling, snapping) and obviously NO ONE wants his 200+ self coming at them! What could be the cause of this recent change in behavior? What can we do to remedy the situation?

 

[aaronl]

Have more friends over. Keep practicing. Have them enter while he is in house. Then to fenced area.
Leash him and correct at every mis step.

 

[musicdeb]

I've also read to have the dog greet the guests outside in a neutral zone. You and the guests walk in first and then the dog. Have the guests completely ignore the dog and let the dog go to them and smell them. Avoid eye contact and not talking to the dog. If they make contact, dog will probably jump them.

I've learned that with Titan, if strangers make eye contact or talk directly to him, he will jump and growl.

 

[dsaw247]

Agreed with musicdeb about meeting outside on a neutral area. We are very strict when it comes to making our dog sit, wait calmly, and then enter the house after all humans have walked in (and he has to wait to be invited). My friends think I'm nuts, but it helps. This is something we do every single time Moose enters the house. We also practice it at other places, like the vet. If you are afraid of what your boy might do, it is never a bad idea to contact a trainer. Safety for your friends and your dog is top priority. Sorry I can't be more help, but good luck!

 

[Robtouw]

My last OEM was pretty good with people entering his "territory" with the exception of smokers. If the person smelled of cigarettes he did not want them in the area. We had the hardest time figuring out that the smell was the issue. We had friends over that were "clean" and he was fine with them, the next day the same people came over after smoking and he copped an attitude with them right away. My point is that there may be a trigger for his sudden change in reactions. Buddy would not have anything to do with my mother if she had been anywhere near a cigarette, but if she hadn't he was her fav lap dog. Usually there is a reason for the attitude change, its a big pain in the rear figuring out what it may be!

 

[musicdeb]

Agreed with musicdeb about meeting outside on a neutral area. We are very strict when it comes to making our dog sit, wait calmly, and then enter the house after all humans have walked in (and he has to wait to be invited). My friends think I'm nuts, but it helps. This is something we do every single time Moose enters the house. We also practice it at other places, like the vet. If you are afraid of what your boy might do, it is never a bad idea to contact a trainer. Safety for your friends and your dog is top priority. Sorry I can't be more help, but good luck!

I do the same. Titan has to sit while I open the door and he doesn't come in until I tell him he can come in.

 

[Glasgowdogtrainer]

Leash him and correct at every mis step.

Don't do this, it will make him worse. If it's a sudden onset of aggression a trip to the vet for a check is in order. New people mean treats in the house if it's not a medical issue.